I think expectation is key. The community here has been amazing, and I know a lot of us are looking for a way to thrive and not just scrape by, but that's a piece of it--the community piece. Being able to come here and find good people to virtually lean on (which falls under @mistermercury's mention of Steemit's future and culture in his last post--totally following him now, thank you!) is part of that thriving for me. It's not fun without friends, I guess? Glad to know you.
Yeah. I do understand that it is not the same reality for everyone, and that earning money from steemit is extremely helpful. At least the party will soften the sorrow